Ancient Temple Hashish Incense! Did Jesus Inhale?

The Indian vadas sang of Cannabis as one of the divine nectars, able to give man anything from good health and long life to visions of the gods. The Zend-Avesta of 600 B.C. mentions an intoxicating resin, and the Assyrians used Cannabis as an incense as early as the ninth century B.C..

Knowledge and use of the intoxicating properties eventually spread to Asia Minor. Hemp was employed as an incense in Assyria in the first millennium B.C., suggesting its use as an inebriant.

Folklore maintians that the use of Hemp was introduced to Persia during the reign of Khursu (A.D. 531-579), but it is known that the Assyrians used Hemp as an incense during the first millennium B.C..

Contrary to popular conception, "marijuana" is not a phenomenon rooted in the 1960s. Cannabis hemp is part of our heritage and was the backbone of our most stable and longest surviving cultures. Recent psycho-pharmacological studies have discovered THC has its own unique receptor sites in the brain, indicating man and marijuana have a pre-cultural relationship indeed, human culture could very well prove to be the blossom of our symbiosis with cannabis. The Mystic PhilosophersCannabis legend and consumption are fundamental aspects of many of the world's great religions.

Incense, cannibas, is the communion by fire spoken of in the Bible. Fire is inspiration, and hemp is the incense that brings us closer to GOD.

Hemp Throughout Holy Texts In the begining, God created all seed producing plants, and they were good. The law reconized their goodness, and made them illegal. After Adam ate the apple, he offered incense to the Lord to try and appease him. Moses met GOD in clouds of smoke, it reeked of incense, and the Almighty was aflame. The herb was no doubt at the table of Jesus, and the wine he created was and is more harmful than hemp. Mohammed ate hash and spoke with GOD. The ancient Incas called it "that which makes us speak" and, when drug tested, T.H.C. was found in Pharoe's system. Hemp is not GOD, it is his gift, and it inspires thought, prayer, and medition. Thought is dangerous, and thus, hemp is illegal.

Book: HASHISH!Robert Connell Clarkeinvestigates natural processes, both ancient and modern, for the growth, collection, and purification of Cannabis resin glands, the plant parts that contain the psychoactive constituents in hashish.Incense Makers ... 51Part I, Hashish History, speculates on the prehistoric discovery of the euphoric properties of Cannabis , then surveys the history of hashish from ancient times up to about 1850.

Ancient and modern historians, archaeologists, anthropologists and philologists all agree that cannabis is one of mankind's oldest cultivated crops. The weaving of hemp fibre began 10,000 years ago, at approximately the same time as pottery making and prior to metal working.1

Not surprisingly, records of the use of cannabis as both a drink and an incense can be traced back to some of the earliest civilizations and cultures, as we shall see with a look at cannabis incense in the Ancient World.

The Encyclopedia Britannica makes the following comments about the use of incense in religious ritual: ...the ceremonial use of incense in contemporary ritual is most likely a relic of the time when the psychoactive properties of incense brought the ancient worshipper into touch with supernatural forces.15

Lacking the invention of pipes for smoking marijuana, the ancients would burn dried hemp on enclosed alters and inhale the fumes. Or they would make hashish by rubbing their hands on sticky cannabis tops, and collecting the resin for pressing into balls of incense, sometimes with other fragrant plants.

Cannabis as an incense was... used in the Temples of Assyria and Babylon `because its aroma was pleasing to the gods.'18

It is said that the Assyrians used hemp as incense in the seventh and eighth century before Christ and called it `Qunubu', a term apparently borrowed from an old East Iranian word `Konaba'. the same as the Scythian name `cannabis'.19

Unpleasant Thoughts

This information clearly documents the use of cannabis incense to the very beginnings of recorded history, and shows that it could well have played a pivotal role in the development of the wonderful mind that so many of today's people take for granted and don't use. You need only look around at the sorry state of our once pristine planet to see that most modern people have lost the ability to think for themselves, and are more than willing to be led around by despicable leaders, and work their lives away in the name of consumerism.

The word cannabis was generally thought to be of Scythian origin, but Benet showed that it has a much earlier origin in Semitic languages like Hebrew, and that it appears several times throughout the Old Testament. Benet explained that "in the original Hebrew text of the Old Testament there are references to hemp, both as incense, which was an integral part of religious celebration, and as an intoxicant (2)."

The shamanistic Ashera priestesses of pre-reformation Jerusalem mixed cannabis resins with those from myrrh, balsam, frankincense, and perfumes, and then anointed their skins with the mixture as well as burned it (6).

Moses and his priests burned incense and used the holy ointment in a portable 'tent of meeting', the famous Tent of the Tabernacle. As cannabis is listed directly as an incense later in the Bible, it seems likely that Moses and the Levite priesthood would have burned cannabis flowers and pollen along with the ointment and incense which God commanded them to make.

2 All quotations from Sula Benet in this article are taken from Early Diffusions and Folk Uses of Hemp, reprinted in Cannabis and Culture, Vera Rubin, Ed. (back)6 William A.Emboden Jr., Ritual Use of Cannabis Sativa L.: A Historic-Ethnographic Survey, printed in Flesh of the Gods, edited by P.T.Furst, published by Praeger in 1972. (back)

According to "Licit and Illicit Drugs" by the Consumer Union, page 397-398: "Ashurbanipal lived about 650 B.C., but the cuneiform descriptions of marijuana in his library "are generally regarded as obvious copies of much older texts." Says Dr. Robert P. Walton, an American physician and authority on marijuana, "This evidence serves to project the origin of hashish back to the earliest beginnings of history."

Both the Gnostic and Book of Revelation references to the incense mention it being related to the Saints, possibly indicating those who used the holy incense felt it provided them with some sort of kinship with those members of their faith who had used it before them in a similar spirit. In some mysterious and subtle way, when we burn cannabis with a certain spiritual focus and specific symbols in mind, we are able to tap into a memory that goes far beyond our personal experience.

In relation to this it is interesting to note the words of Dr Robert de Ropp, who wrote of an initiate1s experience with cannabis that "unlocked the doors of memory, a memory that can be as impersonal as the memory of the race, linking him to the great patterns of living forms, green plants and fungi, invertebrates and vertebrates. Against so expansive a back ground personal memories appeared trivial"(de Ropp 1968). De Ropp considered cannabis sacred (de Ropp, 1974), and had a keen interest in Gnostic scriptures (de Ropp, 1988). Similarly, Shaivite scholar Alain Danielou wrote that “Some plants are, by their very nature, connected with what are called spirits or gods. They embody certain aspects of the divine [and] serve as a means of contact [with it]” (Danielou, 1984/92). The same sensibility is reflected Dr Rupert Sheldrake’s profound new scientific model, “Morphic Resonance,” which describes the human DNA molecule as being a receiver for the “human being signal,” which contains not only the necessary genetic information needed for the creation and maintenance of the material body but also contains a record of all accumulated human knowledge and experience (Sheldrake 1984).

Sheldrake goes onto suggest, using the psilocybin mushroom as an example, that the previous users of such a substance may have left a resonance in the morphic field surrounding its vibration that could be tuned into by later users. When one considers the extensive religious use of cannabis throughout the ages by a variety of cultures, and the modern Renaissance surrounding the plant, Sheldrake1s theory becomes more than plausible.

CANNABIS AS TRUE RELIGION

Cannabis is a true religion, springing from the instinctual recognition of cannabis as sacrament, as the Tree of Life. Consider the case of the African Bashilenge, who after becoming acquainted with cannabis sometime during the nineteenth century, began using it sacramentally, and convinced other tribes to join them in their sacred smoke. This Holy communion lead them to put away their weapons, and rename their land 3Lubuku2, meaning “Friendship”, greeting "each other with the expression 'Moio', meaning both 'hemp' and 'life'"(Benet 1975). Consider the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica, where independently, black descendants of slaves who had began using marijuana likely from an influence of Indian migrant workers, intuitively began to apply its use to a Biblical tradition, long acknowledging the sacred plant as the Tree of Life, and 'burning bush', sharing it as a Eucharist in a chillum-Chalice in order to awaken the "I" spirit that is common in us all.

The Scythians High Plains DriftersThe sorcerers of these Thracian tribes were known to have burned female cannabis flowers (and other psychoactive plants) as a mystical incense to induce trances. Their special talents were attributed to the "magical heat" produced from burning the cannabis and other herbs, believing that the plants dissolved in the flames, then reassembled themselves inside the person who inhaled the vapors.

It could well be that in later times the cannabis smoke had somewhat mellowed the Scythians, and their spiritual leaders directed them towards becoming a more civilized people. The ancient Greek historian Ephorus wrote in the fourth century BC that the Scythians 'feed on mares milk and excel all men in justice'. His comments were followed in the first century BC by Strabo, who wrote that 'we regard the Scythians as the most just of men and the least prone to mischief, as also far morefrugal and independent of others than we are.'

Like the Scythian shamans, the Thracians used cannabis in a similar manner. Dr Sumach explains in A Treasury of Hashish that: The sorcerers of these Thracian tribes were known to have burned female cannabis flowers (and other psychoactive plants) as a mystical incense to induce trances. Their special talents were attributed to the "magical heat" produced from burning the cannabis and other herbs, believing that the plants dissolved in the flames, then reassembled themselves inside the person who inhaled the vapors.

Worshipers of Shiva traditionally offer their ganja to Shiva before smoking, but what about followers of Krishna? Krishna generally does not accept ganja offerings, although He clearly states that He is the healing essence of all herbs. In ancient India, the temple incense was infused with hashish so worshipers could inhale the sacred smoke and experience love of God. Although hash incense is no longer available, Krishna worshipers offer ganja smoke to Krishna's brother, Balarama, and receive the Lord's blessings.

An Assyrian letter writer describes the hallucinogenic properties of kunubu, or orally ingested hashish. The Greek translation of this term subsequently provides the basis for the English word "cannabis."

The priests' clothes were made from hemp linen and and bell ropes in shrines (see image to the right) were made from hemp too. Hemp for bell ropes is still grown in Nagano prefecture today. Several hemp fields are cultivated on Shikoku (one of the four main islands of Japan) to make ceremonial linen clothes for the Imperial family and for Shinto priests.

Hemp fibre attached to a wooden stick called a gohei is used in Shinto cleansing ceremonies, such as Shichigosan. Hemp ropes and hemp paper are often seen as decorations in shrines as they are believed to keep away evil.

At Japanese weddings so called Shishimai dragon dances are sometimes performed. The thick white "hair" of these dragons is hemp fibre, and so is the "hair" of fox masks and other costumes worn at o-matsuri (festivals). The heavy carts pulled trough villages in o-matsuri are pulled on hemp ropes.

Believers in Shinto sought the protection of a certain group of gods, the Sahe no Kami: "Travellers prayed to them before setting out on a journey and made a little offering of hemp leaves and rice to each one they passed." (Moore) We are not surprised that rice was a standard travel fare, but this passage tells us that medieval Japanese used to travel carrying hemp leaves, nowadays called marijuana. If travellers were to practice their religion this way today they could face as much as 5 years in prison.

"Well, the prayer given at the Ise Jingu, which is the shrine to Amaterasu, the founding god of the imperial family, is called taima, or marijuana. Hemp and rice are two sacred things which are part and parcel of the rites conducted at Ise Jingu. This is because hemp and rice were the staple products of the Jomon and Yayoi cultures, respectively. This means they were the most sacred things to these people. The imperial tribe, which was an invading people, took possession of these two sacred things and made them into instruments of control."

During the sumo ritual of dôyo-iri a yokozuna, the highest ranking sumo wrestler, will ritually cleanse the dôyo (sumo ring) to exorcise evil, wearing a hemp rope weighing several kg around his belly.

The choice of material is no coincidence. The reason for it is hemp's association with purity, with driving out evil spirits. One such hemp belt was presented by Japanese prime minister Obuchi to French President Chirac, a sumo fan and, ironically, a staunch supporter of marijuana prohibition.

Islam: The Koran prohibits Muslims from drinking wine but it does not specifically mention any other intoxicants. While some Muslim liberals say that what the prophet really objected to was drunkenness, i.e. excessive drinking, other, very conservative scholars claim that the prohibition encompasses various kinds of substances, from opium to coffee. Hemp was prohibited in Egypt on that basis, and so was coffee in the Ottoman Turkish empire (see A Chronology of Psychoactive Substance Use).http ://www.taima.org/en/psychoactive.htm

In 1925 the Egyptian government asked England to support adding Indian hemp to an international list of substances to be controlled. The Egyptian government was opposed to alcohol too, but that was not made illegal in Western countries. Opposition to cannabis on religious grounds in Islamic countries has essentially been based on narrow-minded dogma that seeks to regulate all private pleasure in the name of religion.

Many Islamic societies were tolerant of cannabis until international politics forced them to copy western prohibition laws. In Morocco cannabis became illegal in 1960 because the government was bribed through large payments from foreign governments. The new law hasn't stopped the cultivation, it has simply allowed the government and its officials to accepts bribes from both sides. Cannabis from Morrocco, Egypt, Lebanon, Persia (Iran), Afghanistan and India was widely used in the Muslim world. Soldiers of Napoleon Bonaparte brought back hashish from a war in Egypt to 19th century France. The Mogul emperors of India who left us the beautiful Taj Mahal were cannabis smokers too.

Cannabis is still widely grown and used in Islamic countries, from the "kif" plantations of the Rif mountains in Morrocco to the jungles of Aceh in Indonesia. Even draconic laws at certain times and in certain countries have not been able to stamp out the custom.

Hinduism: There is so much to be said about Cannabis in Indian religion that we recommend studying the corresponding chapter of the Report of the Indian Hemp Drugs Comission, published by the British government when India was one of its colonies:

Christianity: There are no prohibitions against cannabis stated in the Bible, the holy book of Christians. According to the Book of Genesis which describes the creation of the earth, God created all plants, which would include cannabis. It states specifically that God gave humans "all plants bearing seeds" for their use.

It is said that the Mexican word "marijuana" has a Christian origin. "Maria" (Mary) and "Juan" (John) are the names of the mother and of one disciple of Iesus. When he was crucified they were the only people not to desert him. I think the idea behind this is that marijuana has often been used by poor and disadvantaged people to make tolerable what is otherwise hard to bear. In many countries marijuana was a drug of the poor (e.g. Jamaica, South Africa, Egypt, USA before 1960s) while rich people drank alcohol. Rich and powerful people have always been suspicious of poor people and their habits.

Rastafarianism: is a biblical religion originating from Jamaica and the Caribbean. It was popularized across the world by reggae musicians, including Bob Marley (1945-1981). Cannabis was introduced into Jamaica by Asian Indian plantation workers brought there to work the sugar plantations after the end of slavery. Marijuana is still known by it's Indian name "ganja" in Jamaica. Rastafarians consider smoking marijuana a sacrament, like eating bread and drinking wine is during mass in Christianity. As Rastafarianism has been more accepted into the mainstream of Jamaican culture and has gained respect, the push for legalisation of ganja in Jamaica has grown in strength.

A 1975 study by Rubin and Comitas, "Ganja in Jamaica" found no demonstratable negative effects of cannabis use in Jamaica. Users were socially well integrated, productive and healthy.

"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

Excerpt(s): Hemp has played a prominent role in the development of the religions and civilizations of Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. The insights gained from the marijuana high by the ancient worshippers were considered to be of divine origin and the plant itself an "angel" or messenger of the gods. The sacramental use of marijuana predates written history and this tradition continues with diverse tribes in Africa, certain Hindu sects, Moslem fakirs and Rastafarians, as well as modern Occultists and Pagans. Indeed, marijuana has been employed for insights and ecstasy by members of virtually every major religion in history. (page 4)

Knowledge and use of the sacred cannabis Tree of Life predates the oldest deciphered written records. The Hindus of India took this knowledge with them when they left the Hindu Kush mountains. The traditions continued with the ancient Egyptians, the Zoroastrians ( Persia revered cannabis, the white Haoma, along with the Tree of All Seed. The Scythians, enigmatic Magi of the North, and their trading partners the Thracians, spread this information throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. (page 422)

Perhaps, as Dr. Aldrich seems to suggest, our quest to partake in the cannabis Tree of Life unmolested, is the same story that has been told since Gilgamesh found and lost the flower of eternity over five thousand years ago. Perhaps it is the same story depicted on the Scythian carpet found with two censers containing burnt cannabis residues, which has the repeated design of a horseman approaching the Great goddess who holds the Tree of Life in one hand. Perhaps it is the same story as that of Parzifal's Quest for the Holy Grail.

The collective desire to obtain the Tree of Life is an expression of our deepest yearnings to know the Great Mystery beyond beginnings and endings, compounded with the desire to escape the endless cycle of titillations and antagonisms of the senses teasing us in the Great Mysterious Cosmos of Existence. (pages 422-423)

Archeology is archeology, theoriology is
theoriology. The ship sails were cannabis canvas, the burlap sackcloth
and ropes and riggings. Carpets and Tapestry, tents, "tow"els and those
famous fishnets. Mortar from the hurds and feed for the animals. The
seeds are still gruel, and as nutritious. The flowers were used by
everyone in the region. And since none of its mentioned, it must have
been censored. The same as American schools and media. The covered
wagons or canvas for portraits. The army tents, backpacks, uniforms and
leggings. The medicine still rolled into joints by the government.
Denied and avoided and then pray it goes away. More abortions from the
chemicals used to eradicate it, and used in competition to it than Roe v
Wade. While $7 - 10 billion is diverted from safety nets to arrest
Ganja users. Money going into the same pockets perpetuating this hideous
Ganjawar. Including the church, always in concordance. I'd say he most
definitely inhaled...

It's
arrogant and ignorant for Religionists and Atheists to draw
conclusions. Science hasn't scratched the surface of subatomic grids and
particles in-between the atoms. Science is determined by research
funding and that is mostly determined by corporations seeking products
for profits by manipulating atoms and governments military industrial
complex requires war toys. Pharma sells "treatments" for profit, not
prevention or cures one might discover in the vast universe of smaller.
Outer space is for the sos searching more commodities to sell. The
¿quirtz/kwirtz?, photons, Pheromones, Cannabinoids and other unknowns
could explain miracles, prayers and bring cures and prevention not just
greed, torment, and profits. Healing potentials that could make anyone a
jesus.

So
I guess religion does have vested ignorance in not discovering an
answer that would make them blacksmiths in Detroit. I have found many
Atheists abnormally afraid and angry at cannabis and reforming the
policies as outrageous and draconian as they are. I suspect Ganja
historically has been associated with a spiritual awareness or
assumption. I think they're afraid they might catch something. To focus
locally in our buying and the eternal expanse of inner-space in our
labs. Create better microscopes and not monopolize energy looking at
pretty pictures trying to figure out history. Be here now. Now is when
we need to stop doing harmful things not kill the Band-Aids while
increasing lacerations. If the incentive is to profit who wants a cure?
Jesus said to be "child like, not childish. Maintain an innocence and
excitement for things nature has provided. Not for us to slaughter
wholesale or domesticate into factory farms and spraying poisons,
frankenfoods, terminator seeds, fluoridation or prohibitions. Most
wailing prayers on street corners judging, caging, killing, bombing,
shooting, forfeiting, confiscating, or nullifying the Constitution
cherry picking verses from the KJV. Peace, Love and Liberty or D.E.A.thDdC

A spiritual partnership between humans and Hemp goes back ten thousand years. Jesus said it all in the words, "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's." According to the Bible, the plants were created by God and were given to the people by God. Cannabis the seed bearing herb was not given to Caesar or the government, but to the people to render unto God.

I'm all for legalization and education on the truths of marijuana, but personally, i think this is a crock of bullshit. Jesus didn't smoke weed.pot in a bag June 29, 2003

Well with such sound evidence as that piab I guess we can dismiss the Archeologist findings and pretend he didn't inhale when he walked in the temples..Now does anyone not see why this prohibition has lasted so long? With such scientific research backing such statements I can't see why everyone doesn't join the Christian coalition Fortune 700 club..I reckon that sorta destines your bullshit as the real bullshit...

In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty, He is always in alliance with the despot, abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own.Thomas Jefferson, 1814

"Secular schools can never be tolerated because such schools have no religious instruction, and a general moral instruction without a religious foundation is built on air; consequently, all character training and religion must be derived from faith . . . we need believing people."Adolf Hitler, April 26, 1933, from a speech made during negotiations leading to the Nazi Vatican Concordant of 1933

Hi Halo,The bible was edited several times. Translated into several languages. Many opportunities to rephraze for political correctness. The same as the school books censored. People finding God without the priests, when the church was selling the sacramental wine. But again, science has to over rule mythology the same as the flat earth theory. The hemp canvas and burlap and linen and hempseed gruel are physical facts and standards are used to determine the answers, not Falswells faith in PTLand. The flowertops and resin was a staple of the region, still is. Its medicinal properties were used thousands of years why would it not be true, is the only real question. Only those believing Ganja is evil would think its not true. And believe God lied about his creating seed bearing plants as good things for humans. I think the bible is full of philosophical wisdom but it has no business supporting laws placed on my body by fascist perpetuating profits. Jesus wasn't a Christian or did he ever claim the Christ title. Or did he own a church with stained glass and trinkets. The church grows hemp in Italy, it was never banned. The linen on the tables and for robes and the Masterpieces hung in the Vatican are all of hemp. It was hemp fishnets Jesus cast and hemp ship sails that carried his message. Now its 99% of the narkczars eradications to raise statistics to justify his job and multi billion dollar budget.Be WellDdC

And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. (Ezekiel 34:29)

"The Lord said unto me, 'I will take my rest and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs.' "Isaiah 18:4-5

1) What is the Word of God concerning marijuana, or cannabis hemp ?

The hemp plant (scientific name: cannabis, slang name: marijuana) is but one of the many useful herbs "yielding seed after its kind"

(Genesis 1:12, 29) blessed by God on the third day of creation for people to use in conjunction with our free will. The only place in the Bible where Cannabis was mentioned by name got switched into'calamus' by the King James translators as part of a holy ointment (described in Exodus 30:23).

The Bible also predicted prohibition: "In the later times, some shall speak lies in hypocrisy commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." (Paul: 1 Timothy 1-4) Nowhere in the Bible does it say people cannot grow, possess, use or even smoke cannabis or that hemp is bad. In fact, quite the contrary: "God said, 'Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed which is upon the face of all the earth. To you it will be for meat.' And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." (Genesis 1:29-31)2) How was the cannabis plant used by people during Biblical times?

Cannabis was widely used throughout the world since earliest times. 'Cana' got its name from the same root word as "cannabis," indicating that hemp was grown there. The Bible also describes a common way of preparing marijuana for medicinal use: "The Lord said Afore harvest, when the bud is perfect and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks and take away and cut down the branches." (Isaiah 18:4-5)

Cannabis was traditionally used in 12 different ways: as clothing, paper, cord, sails, fishnet, oil, sealant, incense, food, and in ceremony, relaxation and medicine. And it was written, "On either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare 12 manner of fruits, and yielding her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." (Rev. 22:1-2)

The leaves and flowers of cannabis are well known for their medicinal value, and the Thracians Scythians and Zoroastrians were just a few of the groups that were using cannabis socially during Jesus day.

3) What about cannabis today?

Hemp today has thousands of uses. Modern technology has devised many new uses for the helpful hemp plant; like biomass energy, construction materials, fuel oil, plastic and so on. It is used worldwide as medicine. It is among the best food crops on Earth, and is ecological, as well as a popular relaxant and a spiritual tool.

Unfortunately, during the 20th century, new anti-drug laws have been made by man to imprison, seize property, and even apply the death penalty for people caught growing cannabis in accordance with God's law.

4) What does the Bible say about drugs?

Alcohol is the only drug openly discussed in the Bible, so it must serve as our reference. Jesus began his public life by miraculously turning water into wine at the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-10) when the wine ran out at the celebrator party. Wine is symbolically drunk during religious occasions such as Passover the Last Supper of Jesus and His disciples. It continues to be a traditional sacrament in today's standard church services. Yet the simple joys of God-given pleasures were also sung: "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man and oil to make his face to shineth." (Psalm 104:14-15)

The Bible distinguishes between use and misuse: "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts." (Proverbs 31:6-7) as well as "Woe unto them that follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!" (Isaiah 5:10)5) What do the 10 Commandments say about people using marijuana?

In the 10 Commandments, God ordered that man shalt not hold cannabis or anything else as a 'false god,' 'not covet' it, 'not steal' it and 'not lie' about it (Ex. 20:1-17). Unfortunately, the US government has done nothing but lie about cannabis for most of this century. The result of all this is that these lies have been used to rationalize the arrest of more than 10 million Americans for marijuana; 695,201 in 1997 alone, and 87% of them for personal possession. This is a good example of why the Bible also warns that "If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked." (Prov. 29:12)

The Ten Commandments:

1. No false Gods.2. Worship no graven images.3. Do not use God's name in vain.4. Keep the Sabbath day holy; no work permitted.5. Honor your father and mother.6. Do not kill.7. Do not commit adultery.8. Do not steal.9. Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.10. Do not covet your neighbor's wife, servants, or possessions.6) How did Jesus speak ["Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."] of marijuana?

Although Jesus lived among a society with many cannabis smokers, He never chastised the practice and warned us not to criticize other people for their habits or for whatever they consume. "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; that which cometh out of the mouth defileth a man." (Mat. 15:11) The Apostle Paul wrote, "I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Paul: Romans 14: 2,3,13,14,17)

7) What did Jesus say about the role of government?

He said to keep church and state separate. "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's and unto God the things which be God's." (Luke 20:25) As we have already seen, it was God, not government, who gave man the seed bearing herbs to use and government, not God, who forbade us to use them. Jesus elaborated on this theme: "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Matt. 7:18-20)

Certainly the Drug War is just such a branch of government that has borne no good fruit, and should be cast into the fire.

8) Who did Jesus say has the right to judge others for their lifestyle choices?

Jesus reserved judgement for God alone. " 'Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged' "(Matthew 7:1-4). And " 'Let him who is without sin cast the first stone' " (John 8:7).

Today's mandatory minimum penalties for marijuana conspiracy can exceed 25 years to life, with no hope of parole, for people who cultivate, exchange or otherwise enjoy this natural herb.

He also warned us about seizure and forfeiture laws. "Beware of the scribes which Édevour widows' housesÉ. The same shall receive greater damnation." (Luke 20:46-47) In fact, Jesus was a victim of property seizure: "The soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part." (John. 19:33)

10) What, then, is the Judeo-Christian response to marijuana prohibition?

What would Jesus do? He told his followers to show tolerance, compassion and unselfishness in every effort to end the persecution of God's children. He told us to visit those in prison, and when it comes to the Drug War, remember His words, "Blessed are the peacemakers." (Matthew 5:9) This is reinforced in older texts, in which was written, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you will be no priest to Me for I desired mercy and not sacrifice." (Hosea 4:6, 6:6) "The Lord hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." (Isaiah 61:1)

Prisons and drug wars do not save souls. It was God who created cannabis hemp and told mankind to use "every green herb" on Earth. "They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me." (Ps. 119:86) Jesus himself said, "Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me

Nothing in either the Bible or the U.S. Constitution says politicians can imprison those who follow their conscience and use cannabis in good faith. "Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine." (Paul: 1 Timothy 4;1-6) "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you will be no priest to MeÉfor I desired mercy and not sacrifice." (Hosea 4:6, 6:6)

Summary analysis of the foregoing discussion

What does the Bible say about marijuana? The Bible says that God created hemp for people to use "as meat," (ie, to consume), that its seed oil is to be used as an ointment, and that cannabis is "to be received with thanks-giving of them which believe and know the truth." Paul also warned that some people would "speak lies in hypocrisy" and prohibit us from using it.

It also says that we "shall not bear false witness" about people who use cannabis, nor judge them because that judgement is reserved to the Lord. The Lord hates those who speak lies and sow discord among brethern. For those people harrassed and imprisoned for using cannabis rightfuly, Jesus offers these words of comfort, "Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness's sake: For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."What would Jesus do regarding medical marijuana?

Despite common knowledge and widespread scientific support, the federal government has for nearly 30 years kept cannabis in schedule1 as a deliberate way to deny patients access to medical marijuana. This includes people suffering from asthma, cancer, migraine headache, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, and provides relief for many other conditions. As a result, people at various locations across the USA have had to risk and suffer years in prison for providing medical marijuana to patients as an act of compassion and personal conscience. What would Jesus do? He chose to break the law in order to heal the sick.

"At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn, and his disciples were hungered, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2) But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day 3) But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungered, and they that were with him? 10) And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered, And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. 11) And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it and lift it out? 12) How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. 13) Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other. 14) Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him. 15) But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence, and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all; 16) And charged them that they should not make him known." (Matthew 12: 1-2, 10-16)

Should people give blind obedience to government?

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2) Why do thy disciple transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread." 3) But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 7) Ye hypocrites! 12) Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? 13) But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14) Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind, And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15:1-3, 7, 12-14)

Passages from the King James Bible that are relevant to the legal and moral status of Cannabis sativa, L.

And the earth brought forth grass and herb yielding seed after its kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:12)

God said, "Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so." And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Gen. 1:29-31)

(No prohibition of cannabis or any other drug is made in the Ten Commandments: See Ex. 20:1-17)

(Cannabis is mentioned in Ex. 30:23 but King James mistranslated it as 'sweet calamus') : Moreover, the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even 250 shekels, and of [cannabis] 250 shekels, 24 And of cassia 500 shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: 25 And thou shalt make it an oil of holy anointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil. 26 And thous shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony, 27 And the table and all his vessels, and the candlestick and his vessels, and the altar of incense, 28 And the altar of burnt offerings with all his vessels, and the laver and his foot. 29 And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy. (Exodus 30:22-29)

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man and oil to make his face to shineth.(Psalm 104:14-15)

The Lord said unto me, "I will take my rest and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest. For afore the harvest, when the bud is perfect and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks and take away and cut down the branches. (Is. 18:4-5)

And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be nomore consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.(Ezekiel 34:29)

(Jesus "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."(Matt. 15:11)

One believeth that he may eat all things. Another eateth herbs. Let us not, therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.(Paul: Romans 14: 2,3,13,14,17)

In the later times, some shall speak lies in hypocrisy commanding to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine. Paul: 1 Timothy 4:1-6

And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielding her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.(Rev. 22:1-2)

Other relevant quotes:

Prohibition:

IntoxicationJesus: ) He said unto them, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's and unto God the things which be God's." (Luke 20:25)

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. (Prov. 20:1) "Then came Peter to him and said,"Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, "I say not unto thee until seven times:But until seventy times seven." (Matt.18:21-22)

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish and wine unto those of heavy hearts. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. (Prov. 31:6-7)

"Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them! (Isaiah 5:10)

(Jesus He saith unto them, "Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him.... That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man." (Mark 7:18-20)

(Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana: See John 1-10. He also served wine at the Last Supper.)

As troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests commit murder in the way by consent. Hos. 6:9, Ps. 119:86

Jesus: "Blessed are the peacemakers,for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness' sake: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:9-10

Jesus: "Beware the scribes which desire to walk in long robes and the highest seats in the synagogues and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows' houses, and for a show make long prayers: They shall receive greater damnation." Luke 20:46-47

Jesus: 'Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethern, ye have done it unto me." Matt. 25:40

"The King shall answer and say unto them, Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part. John 19:33

Tolerance: Judgement & Punishment:The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." (Is. 61:1)

These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood; An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief; A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethern." Prov. 6:16-19

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you,that you will be no priest to Me for I desired mercy and not sacrifice.Hosea 4:6, 6:6

Jesus: "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: And with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?" Matt.7:1-4

Jesus: "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer also the other, and him that taketh away thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also." Luke 6:27-29

Truth: Jesus: He beheld them and said, "What is this then that is written, 'The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner"Luke 20:17

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning: and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. Proverbs 1:5

Blasphemy➜Clergy Speak Out Against the War on Drugs➜Cops & Clergy Condemn the War on Drugs➜LEAP Stumps the Drug Czar➜Marilyn Holsten RIP➜Cannabis and Longevity➜The Tree of Life...

Gen.2 [9] And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

New research suggests cannabis could have some benefits when administered regularly in a highly potent form. Most "drugs of abuse" such as alcohol, heroin, cocaine and nicotine suppress growth of new brain cells. However, researchers found that cannabinoids promoted generation of new neurons in rats' hippocampuses. Marijuana May Live Up To Be The Elixir of Life By Ravi Chopra

[24] So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims,and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

The Drug Czar is Required by Law to LieMost people know that the “drug czar” — the director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) — is an advocate for the government position regarding the drug war. But not everyone knows that he and his office are mandated to tell lies as part of their Congressional authorization.

The Lord… hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted,to proclaim liberty to the captivesand the opening of the prison to them that are bound. (Isaiah 61:1)

Rev.22 [2] In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

(Jesus:) 'Verily I say unto you,inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethern,ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:40)

'Relax Your Muscles as Much as Possible'What's life like in our prisons for those marijuana convicts? Let's steel our nerves and go visit the Web site, where the Los Angeles outfit "Stop Prisoner Rape"http://www.justdetention.org has posted the little plain-talking handbill it has prepared for young men entering our prison system, titled "For Prisoners: Advice on Avoiding HIV/AIDS."

[14] Blessed are they that do his commandments,that they may have right to the tree of life,and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Nearly two pounds of still-green plant material found in a 2,700-year-old grave in the Gobi Desert has just been identified as the world's oldest marijuana stash, according to a paper in the latest issue of the Journal of Experimental Botany.

A barrage of tests proves the marijuana possessed potent psychoactive properties and casts doubt on the theory that the ancients only grew the plant for hemp in order to make clothing, rope and other objects.

"We know from both the chemical analysis and genetics that it could produce THC (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase, the main psychoactive chemical in the plant)," he explained, adding that no one could feel its effects today, due to decomposition over the millennia.

Russo served as a visiting professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Botany while conducting the study. He and his international team analyzed the cannabis, which was excavated at the Yanghai Tombs near Turpan, China. It was found lightly pounded in a wooden bowl in a leather basket near the head of a blue-eyed Caucasian man who died when he was about 45.

"This individual was buried with an unusual number of high value, rare items," Russo said, mentioning that the objects included a make-up bag, bridles, pots, archery equipment and a kongou harp. The researchers believe the individual was a shaman from the Gushi people, who spoke a now-extinct language called Tocharian that was similar to Celtic.

Scientists originally thought the plant material in the grave was coriander, but microscopic botanical analysis of the bowl contents, along with genetic testing, revealed that it was cannabis.

Weird science award winnersThe size of seeds mixed in with the leaves, along with their color and other characteristics, indicate the marijuana came from a cultivated strain. Before the burial, someone had carefully picked out all of the male plant parts, which are less psychoactive, so Russo and his team believe there is little doubt as to why the cannabis was grown.

What is in question, however, is how the marijuana was administered, since no pipes or other objects associated with smoking were found in the grave.

"Perhaps it was ingested orally," Russo said. "It might also have been fumigated, as the Scythian tribes to the north did subsequently."

Although other cultures in the area used hemp to make various goods as early as 7,000 years ago, additional tomb finds indicate the Gushi fabricated their clothing from wool and made their rope out of reed fibers. The scientists are unsure if the marijuana was grown for more spiritual or medical purposes, but it's evident that the blue-eyed man was buried with a lot of it.

"As with other grave goods, it was traditional to place items needed for the afterlife in the tomb with the departed," Russo said.

The ancient marijuana stash is now housed at Turpan Museum in China. In the future, Russo hopes to conduct further research at the Yanghai site, which has 2,000 other tombs.

Battle over Christmas displaysIn Santa Monica, a battle over Christmas displays takes a new twist: Atheists win a majority of exhibit spots in a city park, displacing most of the traditional Nativity scenes, as the nation's annual tussle over religious displays on public land heats up.

One great object of Jewish particularism was, to save Israel from the vices that destroyed the nations around; and Samuel appears in that respect the first and the greatest of the prophets, the prototype *censor morum*.

Ethiopian Zion CopticFreedom of ReligionRastafarians and GanjaPrior to the emergence of the Rastafarians, ganja was used by native herbalists as a folk medicine, particularly in teas and as smoking mixtures with tobacco. But as the Rastafarians emerged, ganja took on a new role as a religious sacrament. Its use became a reactionary device to the society and an index of an authentic form of freedom from the establishment.

(a) IN GENERAL- Government shall not substantially burden a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except as provided in subsection (b).

(b) EXCEPTION- Government may substantially burden a person's exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person--

(1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and(2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.

(c) JUDICIAL RELIEF- A person whose religious exercise has been burdened in violation of this section may assert that violation as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding and obtain appropriate relief against a government. Standing to assert a claim or defense under this section shall be governed by the general rules of standing under article III of the Constitution.

It is said that the Assyrians used hemp (marijuana) as incense in the seventh or eighth century before Christ and called it 'Qunubu', a term apparently borrowed froman old East Iranian word 'Konaba', the same as the Scythian name 'cannabis'. Richard E. Schultes and Albert HoffmanPlants of the Gods -- Origin of Hallucinogenic Use

Herb (marijuana) is a Godly creation from the beginning of the world. It is known as the weed of wisdom, angel's food, the tree of life and even the "Wicked Old Ganja Tree". Its purpose in creation is as a fiery sacrifice to be offered to our Redeemer during obligations.

For a long time we have been accustomed to the compartmentalization of religion and science as if they were two quite different and basically unrelated ways of seeing the world. I do not believe that this state of doublethink can last. It must eventually be replaced by a view of the world which is neither religious nor scientific but simply our view of the world. More exactly, it must become a view of the world in which the reports of science and religion are as concordant as those of the eyes and the ears. (Preface to The Joyous Cosmology, 1962).

Neither the trappings of robes, nor temples of stone, nor a fixed liturgy, nor an extensive literature or history is required to meet the test of beliefs cognizable under the Constitution as religious. So far as our law is concerned, one person's religious beliefs held for one day are presumptively entitled to the same protection as the beliefs of millions which have been shared for thousands of years.-- Judge Jack Weinstein,NY

-- comedi cannabim cum confectione mellis "I have eaten *my hemp* with my honey"which is the elegant way of taking hachish in the East to this day.

"I want you to just let a wave of intolerance wash over you. I want you to let a wave of hatred wash over you. Yes, hate is good...Our goal is a Christian nation. We have a Biblical duty, we are called by God, to conquer this country. We don't want equal time. We don't want pluralism."--Randall Terry, Founder of Operation Rescue,The News-Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 8-16-93

Recreational marijuana became legal in the State of Colorado on the
first day of 2014 for those 21 and older. Other states, like Washington,
are preparing to do the same.

Is this just a further sign of the "moral decay" of American society,
or can we say the legalization of marijuana can have a place in a
Christian theology that values, instead of denigrates, the body?

We might think primarily of the individual body and marijuana use,
but first let us consider the social body and what will happen to our
social body by legalizing marijuana.

Our social body is currently deformed, almost beyond recognition as a
developed democracy, by the huge numbers of Americans in jail, many of
them there for non-violent drug offenses.

The so-called "war on drugs" begun in the Nixon administration has been a Trillion Dollar Failure. All it has done is explode the prison population to the point where in the United States the number of Americans incarcerated dwarfs
that of other nations. Our national failure on drug policy is also
racist. "Black men were more than six times as likely as white men to be
incarcerated in federal and state prisons, and local jails in 2010,"
according to the Pew Research Center.

The effects of this on our social body of families separated, and
non-violent individuals exposed to the horrific conditions of our
overcrowded prisons, cannot be exaggerated.

From a body theology perspective, one thing we can say for certain is prison is very bad for your body. The American Journal of Public Health has published a study that shows a "two-year decline in life expectancy for every year served inside prison."

In fact, we could say our marijuana public policy in almost all
states and at the federal level is a public health menace, and that
makes it a theological menace, if we value the social body.

But, let us not forget about the individual marijuana user. Is it good to smoke pot if it is legal? Is it moral?

There are biblical resources to which we can turn in thinking about these questions.
Biblically speaking, Jesus and his disciples clearly drank wine, and
enjoyed it. In John 2:2ff, the Gospel records that Jesus' first miracle
was turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. Matthew (11:19) and
Luke (7:34) record Jesus noting that when it comes to drinking wine or
eating good food, there is no pleasing "the people of this generation."
Jesus observes that people complained about John the Baptist fasting and
"drinking no wine," and then turned around and complained when Jesus
drinks and eats with people, saying, "Look a glutton and a drunkard!"

When it comes to imbibing, in other words, there will clearly always
be differences of opinions, even as in Jesus' time. But Jesus showed his
disciples that eating and drinking together was a way to celebrate
community.

But, it is well to remember the instruction of Paul to the
Corinthians, that their bodies are "a temple of the Holy Spirit" and
thus we should "honor God with our bodies." (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

In other words, don't abuse your bodies. In terms of body theology,
stimulants or depressants, when taken to excess, have very negative
health effects, and they are not a way to honor God and your body.

Moderation, however, is a healthy approach to wine-drinking, and, we
may come to think, to using "recreational marijuana." A little can be a
part of relaxing with friends.

In addition, a glass of wine a day is good for the heart, notes the Mayo Clinic, though doctors caution people not to run out and start drinking to excess.

Marijuana has medicinal use for cancer patients, as is well known.

Does recreational use have any health value? Probably not, especially
given that it is often smoked, but marijuana seems not to be the feared
gateway drug to becoming an addict either.

Beyond recreational use, both wine and marijuana have had religious uses for centuries.
Jews, such as Jesus, drank wine in several religious rituals and
continue to do so, as do many Christians at Communion. Marijuana use has
been part of Hindu ritual in the worship of Shiva, and its religious
use "is most widespread today by Rastafarians as a Bible study, and
meditation aid."

Thus, it can be concluded that the moral goods of using wine or
marijuana will depend on the user and his or her individual religious
and or ethical convictions. In all instances, however, moderation that
respects the well-being of the body is advised.

Treating human bodies with decency and respect, however, transcends
individual religions, and even opinions, and is a common good.

Our laws on marijuana need to reflect this common good. We should
legalize recreational marijuana use at the federal level, keep it out of
the hands of children and teenagers as we do with alcohol, and release
those who have been incarcerated for using marijuana from all our
overcrowded prisons.

That is only common sense, and common sense is one of the best guides to morality.

"From time to
time, I say that the suppression of medical marijuana is murder. This is
not quite correct. It is actually mass murder. It has caused the deaths
of countless thousands of people."~ the Financial Times Limited, 1998(Ed.
note: The FT is the London equivalent of the Wall Street Journal. This
drug could be patented, so it is of interest to the financial
community.)

Ganja Mothers, Ganja Babies
Pot can be safely used during pregnancy, and can help with several of
the discomforts/problems associated therewith, a fact little known by
the medical community, and even much of the herbalist community. Pot
while breast-feeding suggests that a baby fed by a lactating marijuana
user might be more likely to have a healthy, well-regulated appetite.
There are several other studies of the effects of marijuana use on the
fetus. None have shown any significant differences in functioning. The
30-day test showed that children of ganja-using mothers were superior to
children of non-ganja mothers in two ways: the children had better
organization and modulation of sleeping and waking, and they were less
prone to stress-related anxiety. Hondreds of testimonials and herbal
experts agree that marijuana can alliviate PMS! Punishing
"druggie
moms" and seizing their children is big business in North America.

Pro Life? Not even anti abortionists...The
study examined pesticide exposures based on recall by farm families and
reported histories of spontaneous abortions among women living on the
farms. Switching cotton fields to hemp fields would improve: the quality
of our soil, the durability of our clothes, the safety of our ground
source water, the quality of our air, and the preservation of forests
cut for paper (not to mention saving hundreds of thousands of lives
prematurely ended by disease caused by pollution)

Under
the law in 48 states, here's what can happen when an adult is thought
to possess marijuana: Men with guns can go to his home, kick down his
door, force him to lay face down on the floor, restrain him with
handcuffs, drive him to a police station, and lock him in a cage. If he
is then convicted of possessing marijuana, a judge can order that he be
locked in a different cage, perhaps for years.

There are times
when locking human beings in cages is morally defensible. If, for
example, a person commits murder, rape, or assault, transgressing
against the rights of others, then forcibly removing him from society is
the most just course of action. In contrast, it is immoral to lock
people in cages for possessing or ingesting a plant that is smoked by
millions every year with no significant harm done, especially when the
vast majority of any harm actually done is borne by the smoker.

That
there are racial disparities in who is sent to prison on marijuana
charges is an added injustice that deserves attention. But if blacks and
whites were sent to prison on marijuana charges in equal proportion,
jail for marijuana would still be immoral.

America has used
marijuana charges to cage people for so long that it seems unremarkable.
The time has come to see the status quo for what it is. A draconian
punishment for a victimless crime has been institutionalized and
normalized, so much so that even proponents of the policy are blind to
its consequences. Commentators are criticizing marijuana policy in
Washington and Colorado, where the drug was recently legalized. These
commentators aren't willing to put their names on an article stating
that human beings who possess or smoke marijuana should be locked in cages among child molesters, gang members, and muggers. Yet they reserve their criticism for states that don't do that.

If blacks and whites were sent to prison on marijuana charges in equal proportion, jail for marijuana would still be immoral.

Status quo bias has mangled their priorities.

Present
the American people at large with an individual who admits to having
used marijuana and they are more likely to elect him president or to
send him to Congress than to suggest that he ought to have been arrested
and jailed for his crimes. But a majority of voters in most states, and
even a majority of elected officials who've smoked marijuana, continue
supporting laws that permit locking various marijuana users in prison
among perpetrators of hate crimes and elder abuse.

In his recent column on marijuana policy, David Brooks wrote that
"many people these days shy away from talk about the moral status of
drug use because that would imply that one sort of life you might choose
is better than another sort of life."I
submit that a more urgent problem is Americans who shy away from talk
about the dubious moral status of marijuana prohibition. It is, at its
core, an exercise in using people as means to an end. The end is
maintaining a stigma against marijuana use. And the means is locking
humans in cages with dangerous people.

“In
the United States, drug arrests have tripled in the last 25 years,
however most of these arrests have been for simple possession of
low-level drugs. In 2005, nearly 43% of all drug arrests were for
marijuana offenses. Marijuana possession arrests accounted for 79% of
the growth in drug arrests in the 1990s. Nearly a half million people
are in state or federal prisons or a local jail for a drug offense,
compared to 41,000 in 1980. Most of these people have no history of
violence or high-level drug selling activity” – page 4

“With over 5
million people on probation or parole in the United States, drug use on
parole or probation has become the primary basis by which thousands of
people are returned to prison. These technical violations of parole or
probation account for as many as 40% of new prison admissions in some
jurisdictions.” – page 6

t’s
not based on crime,” Chomsky continued. “The device that was used to
recriminalize the black population was drugs. The drug wars are fraud — a
total fraud. They have nothing to do with drugs, the price of drugs
doesn’t change. What the drug war has succeeded in doing is to
criminalize the poor. And the poor in the United States happen to be
overwhelmingly black and Latino.”

Chomsky then made his most explosive statement, claiming that the war on drugs is, in fact, “a race war.”

“It’s
a race war. Almost entirely, from the first moment, the orders given to
the police as to how to deal with drugs were, ‘You don’t go into the
suburbs and arrest the white stockbroker sniffing coke in the evening,
but you do go into the ghettos, and if a kid has a joint in his pocket,
you put him in jail.’ So it starts with police action, not the police
themselves, but the orders given to them.”

“The black population
now — they don’t call it ‘slavery,’ but it’s under conditions of
impoverishment and deprivation that are extremely severe, so if you look
at the past 400 years of United States history, there have only been
about 20 or 30 years of relative freedom for the black population. And
that’s a real scar on society.

Chris Hayes video about his own experience having to do with class privilege in the drug war.

Boy,
have times changed! Remember when the drug czar would just put out a
press release and all the media would dutifully print the lies? We still
have a ways to go, but there are powerful national discussions
happening now, and that’s a good thing for us. It was critial to break
through the national fog caused by the propaganda of prohibition.~ Pete Guither dwr

Sensible on Weed CN Source: National Review January 06, 2014 Editorial
USA — Launching 17 million “Rocky Mountain High” jokes, Colorado has
become the first state to make the prudent choice of legalizing the
consumption and sale of marijuana, thus dispensing with the charade of
medical restrictions and recognizing the fact that, while some people
smoke marijuana to counter the effects of chemotherapy, most people
smoke marijuana to get high — and that is not the worst thing in the
world.

Cannabis was an integral part of the Scythian cult of the dead, wherein homage was paid to the memory of their departed leaders. After the death and burial of their king, the Scythians would purify themselves by setting up small tepee-like structures which they would enter to inhale the fumes of hemp seeds (and the resinous flower calyxes surrounding the seeds) thrown onto red-hot stones.

In a famous passage written in about 450 B.C., Herodotus describes these funeral rites as follows:

...when, therefore, the Scythians have taken some seed of this hemp, they creep under the cloths and put the seeds on the red hot stones; but this being put on smokes, and produces such a steam, that no Grecian vapour-bath would surpass it. The Scythians, transported by the vapour, shout aloud.

It is most likely the seeds described by Herodotus were seededbuds, and that the charred seeds found by archeologists are what was left over from the burnt buds.Religious and spiritual use of cannabisSeveral of the Tarim mummies excavated near Turpan in Xinjiang province of Northwestern China were buried with sacks of cannabis next to their heads.[28] Based on additional grave goods, archaeologists concluded these individuals were shamans: "The marijuana must have been buried with the dead shamans who dreamed of continuing the profession in another world."[29] A team of scientists analyzed one shamanistic tomb that contained a leather basket with well-preserved cannabis (789 grams of leaves, shoots, and fruits; AMS dated 2475 ± 30 years BP) and a wooden bowl with cannabis traces. Lacking any "suitable evidence that the ancient, indigenous people utilized Cannabis for food, oil, or fiber", they concluded "the deceased was more concerned with the intoxicant and/or medicinal value of the Cannabis remains.

Cannabis Historian Chris Bennett takes a look at the potential references to cannabis use among the ancient worshipers of the Persian God Mithra, who became popular in ancient Rome and throughout a large portion of ancient Europe. Mithra was involved with the ancient Haoma cult of ancient Persia, and as Dr.Michael Aldrich discusses, recent archeological evidence this ancient world sacrament was a beverage made from cannabis and ephedra. Prof Carl Ruck and Dr. David Hillman suggest by the time the God reached Rome, cannabis was being used as a entheogenic incense to fumigate the cave like temples in which the worship of Mithra took place. Mithra worship is believed to have deeply influenced emerging Christianity in a variety of ways, particularly in regards to the adoption of the God's birthday December 25th in the 4th century by the Roman Catholic Church.Produced by https://www.forbiddenfruitpublishing.com and https://www.kush.ca